Subject Unit Lesson

Physics Dynamics Inquiry into Friction

Big Picture: What is a friction force and what affects it.

PLOs (BC IRPs)
Related PLO Specific Learned Objective

A1 Use inquiry to better understand physics

A3 Plan an experiment to test a theory

D2 Define static and dynamic friction, and normal force

D2 Look at effect of material, mass, size, speed on friction

D2 Define coefficient of friction

Lesson Agenda
Goal Format

1 5min: introduce friction Show force output from a block Demonstration using pasco and
that is sliding projector

2 10min: factors affecting friction Students hypothesize what Group talk, notes on whiteboard
force affects friction

3 15min: groups brainstorm Each group brainstorms an Group work

experiment

4 10min: experiment Each experiment is explained Whole class discussion

presentations and modified

5 20min: conduct experiments Each modified experiment is demonstration

conducted on the pasco equip

6 5min: theory of friction Set base foundation of friction Lecture, Ffr=uFn

Materials/Lab:
Overhead projector, computer, Pasco force gauge and data collector
Friction blocks, friction track

Details

1. slide a block across surface showing force output in realtime from Pasco gauge
2. whole-class discussion on what friction might be and factors that affect friction. Brainstorm
ideas, write them up on the whiteboard.
3. break into groups. Each group is to investigate an idea. This is where they do their
whiteboarding and devise experiments.
4. Each group presents their experiment to the whole class
5. Conduct each experiment in front of the class
6. Consolidate the experiments and present the idea of Ff = u Fn